> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.contributionism.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.contributionism.io/introduction-and-scope/what-contributionism-covers-and-what-it-does-not.md).

# What Contributionism covers and what it does not

Contributionism primarily concerns the internal structure of organisations. Its focus is the relationship between contribution, ownership, governance and incentives.

## **What the model covers**

The model addresses questions such as:

* Which contributions an organisation recognises.
* How those contributions are recorded and evaluated.
* Which contributions receive financial rights.
* Which contributors participate in governance.
* How long particular rights remain active.
* How leadership is selected and held accountable.
* How historical contributions are respected without creating indefinite control.
* How an organisation changes as contributors join and leave.

These questions arise in organisations of many sizes, from a small professional partnership to a large manufacturing business. Not every mechanism will be appropriate for every organisation.

## **Different organisational purposes**

Organisations exist for different reasons. Some primarily benefit the people who contribute labour or capital. Others serve members, external recipients or the public.

Contributionism does not require every organisation to maximise profit or distribute financial surpluses to its workers. A charity, for example, may be required to use its resources for its charitable purposes rather than distribute them as private returns.

The model must therefore be applied in a way that respects an organisation’s purpose and legal obligations.

Worker participation in a public hospital does not mean that the workers personally own the hospital’s public assets. Similarly, donor involvement in a charity does not automatically create transferable ownership interests.

## **Compatibility with different economic settings**

Many of the examples in this resource assume a market economy in which organisations sell goods or services and compensate contributors using money.

However, some principles could also apply where organisations distribute benefits through:

* Access to shared facilities.
* Housing or other resources.
* Membership services.
* Collective provision.
* Non-monetary recognition.

The mechanisms would need to change with the setting. A monetary contribution valuation is not being suggested as a universal requirement, this would just be on approach of many.

## **What the organisational model does not resolve**

Contributionism does not resolve:

* Environmental damage.
* Monopoly power.
* Unequal access to education or capital.
* Poverty outside participating organisations.
* Problems in monetary systems.
* The distribution of land and natural resources.
* Every conflict between an organisation and the wider public.

An organisation can be internally participatory while still imposing costs on others. Laws, public institutions, community governance and other economic policies will still be important.